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Photos: Ron Ruscio Photos: Rod Pittman Generational Design Designer: Bev Adams, CMKBD, president/founder Interior Intuitions, Inc.; Denver, CO Designer: Linda Pittman Pittman Associates; Decatur, GA Age of clients: 60s Age of client: 80s Goal of the space: For these homeowners it was about separate spaces …separate grooming areas, separate water closet, separate showerheads. They also wanted to create a more usable space and get rid of the tub, "which is something that often comes out with older people," Adams says. Goal for the space: Bright and safe were two key words Pittman focused on for this kitchen. "The previous kitchen was unbelievably dark," she says, "with only one small light fxture for the room." "The previous space was also cut up into a million pieces," she continues. "The tub was at the end of the room, in front of the window. We took it out and created a more elongated room that was better appointed for their needs." Generational design elements: Separate areas are a common request from clients as they age, she notes. "They don't like to share," she explains. "They become more territorial." As such, the designer incorporated separate grooming areas, with his/her sinks, divided by a taller storage unit. She located them close to the nearly foor-to-ceiling window that provides a view to the woods beyond. At the opposite end of the room, Adams added a dressing room with cabinetry that features a reversed design (i.e., lower center, taller end units) to provide interest when paired with the sink vanities. Both areas are accented with onyx countertops to coordinate with the onyx in the shower, which is large enough for two people. Dual showerheads provide s customization, while niches at eye level keep shower products of the foor for easy reach and viewing. 60 Countermounted cabinets increase storage and allow for easy access to contents. Heated foors, including those in the shower, enhance comfort. "As people age, they seem to be more sensitive to temperature," she says. "They want more comfort…not that younger people don't want it, too, but it's more of a focal point for clients in this age group." A separate water closet, with a bidet, provides privacy. Since it's an interior room, a frosted glass door and a window in the wall allow light to fow in. 48 | Kitchen & Bath Design News September 2013 This client also loves to entertain. "She has lots of parties, and celebrates everything," she says. "The kitchen is defnitely the focus [of the house]." 80s Generational design elements: Pittman included an induction cooktop, which virtually eliminates the possibility for her client to burn herself or cause a fre. "It cools of instantly," she says. "It's a great option for people with children or for older adults." She also added a bench, complete with roll-out drawer for storing her client's shoes. "She always kept her shoes in the kitchen," she says, adding that they often accumulated in front of her old pantry, which essentially rendered it useless. "I was always concerned she might trip, so this gives her a place to sit to put her shoes on and take them of, as well as to store them." Pittman further enhanced safety by ensuring there was adequate light by incorporating plenty of general, task and mood lighting such as a high-output hood light and undercabinet lights. The island provides a great place for entertaining, giving her guests a place to visit. "Her previous kitchen was difcult to gather in," she says. "Now she has this island where people can sit. It works great for parties." Pittman also included full-extension, soft-close drawers. "Drawers are a great choice for older homeowners because they don't have to bend over to access what's inside," she concludes.